In the last several posts, we have been reflecting on Christmas and its deep connection to the Mass. Christmas is "Christ's Mass". In the last post, we specifically mentioned Mary's deep connection with the Eucharist. This evening, we will discuss how this blog's patron, another key figure in the Christmas story, good Saint Joseph, too has a deep connection with this great gift of God.
As we discussed the other evening, Mary has the dispositions of faith and sacrifice that we need to bring to, and develop in, our celebrations of the Eucharist.
So does Joseph.
Joseph had his own moment of faith when an angel appeared to him and told him to take Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:20), despite her being with child. Later on in his life, an angel appeared to him again and told him to take his family and flee to Egypt (Matthew 2:13). Both these events involved both faith and sacrifice on the part of Joseph. Finally, he was with Mary at the Presentation when she made her offering of Jesus (Luke 2:22). Joseph, we can therefore say, shared in the same sacrificial and faith dispositions as the Blessed Mother. Therefore, he can be a role model and an intercessor to help us have a greater love and devotion for the Eucharist, the Bread of Life.
Here is a quote from a Saint who had great devotion to the Eucharist, Saint Peter Julian Eymard (picture attached), that speaks of Joseph and his relationship with the Eucharist.
"At Nazareth Joseph's days were filled with work which necessarily took him away at times from his Infant God. During these hours Mary replaced him, but when evening brought him home again, he would pass the entire night in adoration, never tiring, only too happy for the chance to contemplate the hidden riches of Jesus' divinity. For he pierced the rough garments the Child wore, until his faith touched the Sacred Heart. In profound adoration he united himself to the special grace of each one of the events in the life of Jesus. He adored our Lord in His hidden life and in His Passion and Death; he adored in advance the Eucharistic Christ in His tabernacles: there was nothing that our Lord could hide from Saint Joseph. Among the graces which Jesus gave to His foster-father -- and He flooded him with the graces attached to every one of His mysteries -- is that special to an adorer of the Blessed Sacrament. That is the one we must ask of St. Joseph. Have confidence, strong confidence in him. Take him as the patron and the model of your life of adoration."
As with Mary and Jesus, loving Joseph will necessarily lead one to a greater love of the Eucharist, and vice versa. Through their example, we not only learn to contemplate the Eucharistic Christ at Mass, but also in His Real Presence in the tabernacles throughout the world where He sits and waits for us to visit. I pray this Christmas season, everyone finds time to do just that. It is good to spend time with family and friends, but please spend some time visiting Our Lord, as well. Please go to Mass, and also try to spend some quiet time with him in the Blessed Sacrament. Remember, He incarnated Himself to offer Himself as a sacrifice, so we could be saved. That is what this season is all about! And He remains incarnate in His Real Presence, both at Mass, and outside of Mass in the tabernacle. Let's show our gratitude for all that by both receiving, and spending a little bit of our time with the Blessed Sacrament this Christmas.
Joseph, diligent protector of Christ, pray for us.
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